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Firefighters set to strike again

FIREFIGHTERS across Oxfordshire were called to take strike action again last night, after pension negotiations with the Government ground to a halt.

Accusing ministers of “burying their heads in the sand”, the Fire Bridgade Union (FBU) claimed it had received no new proposals by yesterday’s deadline it had set in the three-year dispute.

Oxfordshire branch spokesman Mark Ames said he expected all of the county’s FBU members to take part. He said: “This is an extremely disappointing outcome for us. It is too early to say how many firefighters in Oxfordshire will take part in these strikes, but I am calling on all of them to support us.

“Many of our members went above and beyond the call of duty during the winter floods and we feel that should be recognised in these negotiations.”

The strikes are due to take place next Friday between noon and 5pm, on Saturday, May 3, between 2pm and 2am, and on Sunday, May 4, from 10am to 3pm.